Topic 8 Exchange and Transport in Animals

Question 1

What is the function of the circulatory system?

Answer 1

To transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and remove waste products like carbon dioxide.

Question 2

What are the three main types of blood vessels?

Answer 2

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Question 3

How are arteries adapted to their function?

Answer 3

Arteries have thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure and carry blood away from the heart.

Question 4

What is the function of capillaries?

Answer 4

To allow the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the blood and tissues.

Question 5

How are veins adapted to their function?

Answer 5

Veins have thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow, as they carry blood back to the heart under lower pressure.

Question 6

Name the four chambers of the heart.

Answer 6

Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.

Question 7

What is the role of the left side of the heart?

Answer 7

To pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body through the aorta.

Question 8

What is the role of the right side of the heart?

Answer 8

To pump deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation.

Question 9

What is the function of the valves in the heart?

Answer 9

To prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring it moves in one direction through the heart.

Question 10

Describe the pathway of blood through the heart, starting at the vena cava.

Answer 10

Vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → body.

Question 11

What is the function of red blood cells?

Answer 11

To carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs.

Question 12

How are red blood cells adapted to their function?

Answer 12

They have a biconcave shape for a larger surface area, no nucleus for more space to carry hemoglobin, and contain hemoglobin to bind oxygen.

Question 13

What is the role of white blood cells?

Answer 13

To defend the body against pathogens by engulfing them (phagocytosis) or producing antibodies.

Question 14

What is the function of platelets?

Answer 14

To help blood clot at a wound site, preventing excessive bleeding and infection.

Question 15

What is plasma, and what does it transport?

Answer 15

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that transports nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide, urea, and heat around the body.

Question 16

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

Answer 16

To exchange gases—oxygen is taken into the body, and carbon dioxide is expelled.

Question 17

Where does gas exchange take place in the lungs?

Answer 17

In the alveoli.

Question 18

How are alveoli adapted for efficient gas exchange?

Answer 18

Alveoli have a large surface area, thin walls (one cell thick), and are surrounded by capillaries for a short diffusion distance and a good blood supply.

Question 19

What happens to oxygen and carbon dioxide during gas exchange in the alveoli?

Answer 19

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Question 20

What is the role of the diaphragm in breathing?

Answer 20

The diaphragm contracts to flatten during inhalation, increasing chest volume and decreasing pressure, drawing air into the lungs. It relaxes during exhalation.

Question 21

What is cellular respiration?

Answer 21

The process by which cells release energy from glucose.

Question 22

What is the word equation for aerobic respiration?

Answer 22

Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy.

Question 23

Where in the cell does aerobic respiration take place?

Answer 23

In the mitochondria.

Question 24

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Answer 24

Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and produces more energy, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces less energy.

Question 25

What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles?

Answer 25

Glucose → lactic acid + energy.

Question 26

Why does anaerobic respiration produce less energy than aerobic respiration?

Answer 26

Because glucose is not fully broken down in anaerobic respiration, producing only a small amount of energy and lactic acid as a by-product.

Question 27

How do cells in the small intestine absorb nutrients efficiently?

Answer 27

Through active transport and diffusion, aided by a large surface area from the villi, and a rich blood supply.